Using quad bikes: 5 top tips

15/03/2016

The quad bike: a useful means of transport for sure – tough
and versatile, quad bikes can help Australian farmers tend to crops and livestock
quickly and efficiently. It’s easy to see why they are so popular on Australian
farms.

Unfortunately though, they are also a leading cause of death
and injury in the rural community.

Since 2001, there have been more than 210 deaths across Australia involving quad bikes on farms. Indeed,
of the 23 quad-bike deaths recorded in 2011, 18 occurred on farms.

Significant research
and testing has been undertaken in recent times, commissioned by the NSW government to find out what is causing
the problems and what might be some solutions to reduce fatalities and injuries.

We often hear
farmers sharing stories about accidents on quadbikes – so here are our five top
tips for keeping alive and well on the farm while using quad bikes:

Is a quad bike the right vehicle for the
job? The safest vehicle for you to use on your
farm is the one best suited to the job in hand. Before you even buy a quad bike,
ask yourself if it’s actually going to serve your need. Consider your ground
conditions, the type of goods you will be carrying, what type of work you will
be doing around the farm and whether you require the vehicle to have towing
capacity.

Training: Due to the specific design features and
handling characteristics of a quad bike, anyone who is going to be using the
vehicle should undertake an accredited training course, and inexperienced
riders should always be supervised.

Compatible attachments: It seems obvious, but it is crucial to the
safety of a quad bike that the attachments used are compatible with the
specific vehicle you are using. Also consider that attachments on your quad
bike, particularly spray tanks, can reduce the stability – which is already low
on these vehicles, as well as operator control and performance.

Always wear a helmet: As with motorbikes or even horses, quad bikes
are no different when it comes to protective equipment. Always wear a helmet when operating a quad bike – no matter how
short the journey, how familiar you are with the terrain or how much experience
you have riding quad bikes.

Don’t let children under 16 years operate
or ride as passengers on adult-sized quad bikes: This one really does speak for itself. Don’t
let your kids on the farm’s quad bikes – not even as passengers on the vehicle
you are riding. It’s just not worth the risk.

The emotional and financial cost of the deaths and injuries
that occur through quad bike incidents to Australian farm families and
communities is just too high.

Find out more, and listen to the story of a family who have
seen first-hand the dangers of quad bikes on farms.